Inspired by the theme of "Fearful Symmetry," one of the short plays being showcased in the Best of Playground Festival is <em>The Spherical Loneliness of Beverly Onion</em>. Written by the talented Katie May and beautifully directed by Rebecca Ennals, the script focuses in on a female mortician (Carla Pantoja) who takes great pride in her craft, demonstrates a remarkably tender approach to caring for the corpses (Will Dao) she embalms, and likes to work alone. Looking down on Beverly Onion are the opposing forces of Fate (Jomar Tagatac) and Luck (Anne Darragh). One knows how to keep a clinical distance, the other can't stop herself from projecting her own emotions onto a situation and meddling where she doesn't belong. When Luck takes it upon herself to broaden Beverly Onion's social life, she is shocked to find that her latest toy is not the slightest bit interested in meeting new men. As a series of dismal speed-dating encounters makes crystal clear, telling strangers that you're a mortician doesn't always produce the best results. Katie May's play was blessed with two strong performances by Carla Pantoja and Anne Darragh.
– by George Heymont
